Although money isn’t the be-all and end-all of a profession, it certainly counts. Take a look at some of the country's highest paying jobs.
The career choice you make is influenced by a number of factors. But without a doubt, one of the most critical factors in determining career path is the amount of money you’ll make.
We scoured the web to find out which careers will take home the big bucks. In descending order we also included the highest earning potential for each job, according to Payscale.
10. Air traffic controllers
Air traffic controllers are responsible for the flow of air traffic in the global air traffic control system. This is incredibly mentally challenging and requires that they make split second decisions that can have a huge impact on the lives’ of people.
Air traffic controllers need to be extremely competent in a number of areas, including area radar, approach, approach radar and aerodrome.
Highest earning potential: R456 171
The continuous development in technology requires the skills of software engineers. They are responsible for the design, development and maintenance of software and shape the way computers work. In other words, the entire global system lies in their hands.
Software engineers must have qualifications in computer science and programming.
Highest earning potential: R559 584
8. Lawyers
A lawyer's expertise can be charged per hour. Not only do they need to obtain an undergraduate degree, but they also need a specilised law degree. That's not all. Lawyers also need to go through extensive training to become a lawyer in order to practice.
Highest earning potential: R571 671
7. Petroleum engineers
Petroleum engineers are often involved with crude oil or natural gas, and the activities that concern obtaining and producing them. The role of a petroleum engineer requires a combination of innovation, exploration and expansion as a huge amount of intelligence and training are needed to be successful.
Petroleum engineers need to spend years studying and training in order to have a good knowledge of physics, chemical engineering and mining engineering.
Highest earning potential: R572 600
6. IT Managers
From monitoring operational requirements to researching strategies and building cost-effective and efficient solutions, IT managers need to have a thorough understanding of information technology systems.
The highest paying skills associated with IT Managers are people management and project management.
Highest pay: R780 159
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Tasked with examining and preparing financial reports, chartered accountants are responsible for ensuring that financial records are accurate and filed on time. To start off their career they and need to have an accounting degree from an accredited SAICA university. Once equipped with their degree, they need to complete a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA).
Skills that earn accountants more money include budget management, evaluation and management auditing and financial analysis.
Highest earning potential: R861 282
4. Management Consultants
Management consultants help with the evaluation of existing organisations and provide expertise on how to improve performance of the company and implement best practice. Management consultants can come from varied backgrounds, such as accounting, engineering and actuary. However, they must all be highly knowledgeable in business analytics and administration.
Highest earning potential: R984 878
3. Pilot
If there is one job that cannot be done by just anybody, it is that of a pilot. Pilots need to have a strong educational background, as well as specialized certifications. They also need to have a certain amount of flying hours before they can fly any commercial airline, which can dig deep in their pockets. Airlines can also choose to conduct their own rigorous training to ensure their personnel are well equipped.
Highest earning potential: R1 049 555
2. Actuary
An actuary is a business professional in charge of the financial impact of risk and uncertainty. To make it as actuaries, professionals need to have an exceptionally good mathematical capability, especially as part of their role is to calculate the potential of an uncertain event, such as natural disasters; assessing the effect of financial loss.
Asset management, liability management, business knowledge and analytical skills, are the top skills actuaries need to possess.
Highest earning potential: R1 271 287
Also read: South Africa's richest women
1. Medical Specialists
Specialist doctors need to acquire an advanced education and clinical training in a specific area of medicine. The earning potential of medical specialists vary greatly, but neurosurgeons are usually among the highest paid.
Highest earning potential: R4 767 807
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